Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR

The tourism sector in Lao PDR has grown significantly from 14,000 visitors in 1990 to 1.21 million in 2006, generating 173.2 million dollars. While the sector supports development objectives by providing jobs and foreign currency, the document warns that without careful planning and adherence to the 'carrying capacity of an area', the environment could be damaged. Recommendations include promoting ecotourism, strengthening the Lao National Tourism Authority's engagement with the private sector, exploring industry certification, and supporting National Protected Areas.

• Tourism in Lao PDR experienced rapid growth between 1990 and 2006, with visitor numbers increasing from just over 14,000 to 1.21 million, contributing 173.2 million dollars to the economy.
• The growth of the tourism sector is attributed to national promotion policies, increased relationships with the U.S., Europe, and Australia, and better regional integration via ASEAN.
• To maintain sustainability, the document emphasizes the need to recognize the 'carrying capacity of an area' to prevent environmental damage and recommends strengthening the Lao National Tourism Authority's ability to encourage best-practice ecotourism.

APA

Sipaaseuth,, S. M. (2008). Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr

Chicago

Sipaaseuth,, Sounh Manivong,Somxay. Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2008. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Sipaaseuth, |first1=Sounh Manivong,Somxay |title=Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=23 January 2008 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sipaaseuth2008environmental, author = {Sipaaseuth,, Sounh Manivong,Somxay}, title = {{Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2008}, month = jan, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }